OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – As temperatures begin to rise and construction season ramps up, Oklahoma is once again marking April as Work Zone Awareness Month. The initiative serves as a critical reminder for drivers to be vigilant and mindful in work zones, where distracted driving can lead not only to frustrating delays but also to deadly consequences.
Each year, road workers in Oklahoma face the risk of injury and death while performing their duties to improve the state’s infrastructure. Tragically, several names now stand etched on a memorial in front of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to honor those who lost their lives while on the job. The most recent addition to the memorial is Jaden Jackson, an ODOT employee who was killed in December while working in LeFlore County.
As Jeff Garder, Director of Construction for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, pointed out, the goal of Work Zone Awareness Month is to emphasize that these accidents are often avoidable. “Avoid the avoidable,” Garder said, urging drivers to be cautious in work zones.
The state’s workers face significant dangers while performing essential tasks on highways, often within close proximity to fast-moving traffic. For many, it’s a daily reminder of just how fragile their safety can be. Johnathan Brooks, an engineer with ODOT, spoke about the harsh reality some workers face. “Personally, I know contractors that have been hit and have been in the hospitals for months and months,” Brooks said, underscoring the physical and emotional toll such incidents take on individuals and their families.
As spring brings more favorable weather conditions for roadwork, the number of active construction projects in Oklahoma has surged, with more than 100 ongoing road projects across the state. These projects are vital for maintaining the state’s roadways, but they also create more potential hazards for workers and motorists alike.
Garder emphasized the potential dangers of accidents in work zones, noting that crashes can result in significant traffic tie-ups, which can last for hours. “You’re between barrier walls, and you’re in a tighter configuration, where it’s harder for first responders to get to the scene,” Garder explained. Secondary accidents also become a serious concern, compounding the risks in already hazardous conditions.
Despite these risks, safety measures and heightened awareness can make a difference. Oklahoma transportation officials continue to advocate for drivers to exercise caution and remain alert while passing through active work zones. The focus of this month is clear: make the roads safer for everyone and reduce the potential for further tragedies.
As the weather warms and construction projects continue, it is crucial for all Oklahomans to remember the importance of keeping road workers safe. By staying focused behind the wheel and obeying posted speed limits and other traffic signs, drivers can play a key role in preventing accidents and saving lives.
Work Zone Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility.
